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Cancer and Navelbine
Navelbine® (vinorelbine) is given as an injection into a vein (by IV) once a week to treat non-small cell lung cancer. This prescription chemotherapy drug is approved for use in adults age 18 and older.
As a type of plant alkaloid, Navelbine is derived from the Madagascar periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus). It works by preventing cells from growing and dividing, which causes the cells to die.
On occasion, a healthcare provider may prescribe Navelbine to treat other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or Hodgkin's lymphoma; however, these are unapproved ("off-label") uses for the medication.
(Click Navelbine Uses to learn more about using this chemotherapy drug to treat non-small cell lung cancer.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD